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Dr. Kathleen Cepelka Honored at Archbishop's Scholarship Dinner

Released: 2/5/08

The School of Education is pleased to congratulate Dr. Kathleen Cepelka, who was the recipient of the Catholic School Champion, Educator Award at the Archbishop’s Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, January 31, 2008. The award was presented by Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Director of Catholic Schools, Chuck Allison.

Dr. Cepelka commented, “I feel profoundly honored and humbled to accept this award on behalf of all who have committed their lives to Catholic Education.” Kathleen says that her leadership has been greatly influenced by post-Vatican II Church documents on Catholic education, particularly, To Teach as Jesus Did. Dr. Cepelka believes that “Catholic schools are vibrant communities of faith in which the message of the Gospel is regularly taught and responsibly lived, communities of worship in which every aspect of school life is rooted in prayer, and communities of service that prepare their graduates to effect positive societal change.” These principles have guided her throughout her prestigious career.

Of Dr. Cepelka’s work, Dean Bill Henk says, “Kathleen is most definitely a champion of Catholic Education, and altogether deserving of what amounts to a lifetime achievement award. The School of Education and the schools of the Archdiocese are both fortunate that in her role as Associate Dean, she will continue to champion for this national treasure.”

Prior to joining the staff in Marquette University’s School of Education as Associate Dean and Director of Teacher Education, Dr. Cepelka served as principal at Catholic Memorial High School from 1999-2007. During her career she has contributed at every level of Catholic education, from elementary school students to adults. She has also served on numerous boards, including the Board of Directors for Notre Dame Middle School, and she has given generously of her time through service on various archdiocesan committees, including the Office for Schools’ Theology and Faith Formation Committee.

Additional award recipients honored at the Archbishop’s Scholarship Dinner included Mary Ellen Stanek (Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, R. W. Baird, Inc. and President of the Marquette University Board of Trustees), who received the Catholic School Champion-Community Leader Award, and Most Reverend Richard J. Sklba, recipient of the Catholic School Champion-ClergyAward.